Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-04-22
rNNocENr.nooKING DETECTIVE.
a Convcnien, Pence which is Likely


90 Prove a Dangerous witness.
A Pittsburgh special says About
five months ago an innocent-l0Oking
young man, who said his name was
John L. Allen, opened cigar store ID
an out-of-the- way locality on Webster
street. After time he partitioned OF
his store-room, making two conpart-
ments, and from that time matters began
to liven up. At all hours OF the day aud
night men entered the place carrying
MISUNDERSTANDING packages. They
would depart empty handed. The PEG,
pie began to grow suspicious. Several
tried to get back into the room to ex-
plore the mysteries. Finally they
learned that the place was a resort for
railroaders, and that the conductors
and brakemen of the Panhandle road
made it their headquarters when in the
city. Also. that Allen had for time
been employed on the road himself,
but after serving two months had been
discharged. He then went into the
tobacco business and soon secured the
trade Of all the railroaders.
This explanation only served to whet
tho appetite of the curious, and one
day when a wagon drove up to the
place. was filed with bundles, heavily
covered, and then driven away. the
people nearly went wild. This opera
ton was repeated for several days,
when, about April lst. Allen myste-
riously disappeared, taking his stock,
sign, and everything belonging to HIM
with him. He turned up few days
later, however, and spent his time in
the saloons and boarding-houses OF rail
road-men on the hill. He seemed to
have unlimited money and spent 1t with
a lavish hand To his friends he au-
nounced with great flourish that he
was to he married on the 18th OF the
present month. But the wedding took
place on the 9Th, and Mr.. and Mrs.
Allen Immediately took up their abode
at No. 20 Fulton street, where a mum
Der of railroadcrs also reside.
ARRESTED FOR COMPLETELY II ROBBERY.
Before daylight. week ago last
Monday, Allen was awakened from his
slumbers by Detective Lent, OF the
Gilkinson agency, and, together with
two other occupants of the house, taken
TO jail for completely in the Panhandle
robberies. Upon reaching the Jail AL
len was delegated by the warden to
serve the rations to the prisoners, and.
as nearly all of them knew him, they
did not hesitate TO unburden them
selves to him. After being behind toe
bars twenty-four hours Allen was re-
leased, and the other prisoners given to
understand that heavy bail had been re-
quired.
It is now learned that John F. Allen
was none other than John +. Gibson. Il
detective. who has been in the employ
of the Gilkinson agency for three years.
When the Pan Handle case was first
placed in Gilkinson's hands he secured
Gibson position on the road as crew
caller. He served at this for two
months. during which he gained quite
an insight into the thieves manner of
operating. Then he opened the cigar
store. and had a report circulated
among tho men on the road to the
effect that he kept "fence," and
would pay cash for any goods brought
him and ask no questions.
TIE CONVENIENT "FENcE.'
In a short time dozens Of crooked
employees were visiting him, and he
soon secured several thousand dollars
worth of goods and some magnificent
evidence. Then he quit the business,
married, and located in the house with
Lowell, one of the alleged ringleaders
OF the robbers. lie also associated with
the men, and, it is said, got some dam
aging confessions from them, which
viii be forthcoming when the case goes
to trial. His arrest was, of course, only
"blind" TO further throw the cul-
pitts on their guard, and, as it served
is purpose, Gibson was soon released.